Subway tile, classic and chic, is the standby for many a tasteful homeowner. Newer tiles are taking the subway shape one step further (or a few inches further) by stretching traditional subway into elongated linear tiles. These tiles are available in a variety of finishes and materials, creating a unique contemporary look for a bathroom or kitchen backsplash.
The Luminous tile by Cepac, as seen in the first photo, is our new favorite. It is a Japanese porcelain tile that comes in a range of color schemes from very light and pearly to a dark, bronzed finish. The glaze reminds us of raku fired pottery due to the beautiful, random colors on each tile.
The above kitchen backsplash is composed of Modern Dimension tile by Daltile in shades of gray, beige, taupe and brown. These tiles are most like subway tile because they are not on mesh and come in only slightly exaggerated sizes of 2x8 or 4x8.
The Cityview collection by Daltile was one of the first to feature a concrete looking tile. This wall was done entirely in a random brick deco tile, with tiles varying in lengths and widths, but still keeping the linear form.
These gorgeous vertical Stiletto tiles are from Artistic Tile and part of the Opera Glass and Harmony series. Used in bathroom from floor to ceiling on every wall, the tile would be stunning.
We love the way these elegant linear tiles visually extend the space horizontally or vertically depending on which direction they are installed. How would you use linear tiles to reshape the space in your home?
(Photo of Modern Dimensions tile by Lonnie Glasscock)
Sources in Austin:
The Tile Guy
Travis Tile
Architerra Studios
Related Links:
Subway Tiles
5 Bathrooms with Subway Tile
Going Vertical with Subway Tile
Alexis' Modern Glass House 
Before & After: A Bathroom Goes From Pinky Peach to Sleek and Chic
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Tom Black Espadrille
20 Scrumptious Brunch Recipes 
Magic One-Ingredient Ice Cream 5 Ways: Peanut Butter, Nutella, and More
Comments (12)
Glass is fresh but has a problem is too trendy, in a couple of years ill hate it and would have to rip it off. Stone is a more likeable and timeless option. Did i say glass is expensive too?
I love the elongated tiles in this Oakland, California bathroom redesign by Schwartz and Architecture.
http://raenovate.blogspot.com/2009/10/redone-oakland-california-master-suite.html
agree with JennF. Tile lasts a LONG LONG time, it's a dumb place to opt for trendy over classic.
The Mottainai Lofts in the Gateway Quarter of Cincinnati are using this style tile in all their baths and kitchens.
http://tinyurl.com/ygejy9x
The tile is all made locally by the newly reopened Rookwood Pottery Co.
I think tile does not look "trendy" if it fits the style of the home. And I like the long, lean tiles, both vertically and horizontally. To me, they give off both modern and retro vibes at the same time. And tile is a place in a home that can be a real "wow" factor, and not just something boring that fades into the background. Also, in the first photo, I love how those small horizontal windows echo the shape of the tiles in the backsplash. Very, very cool.
I do love some of these pictures, but agree that any tile that looks *wow* right now is going to look dated in 5-10 years. By contrast, we have a bathroom that has black and white tile that's probably from the 1930s and it still looks fine--not awesome, but fine. That seems like a more responsible choice to me.
I happen to like the first photo's application best as it's both retro and modern (ie, timeless) at the same time although I'd go less of natural/nature colors w/ the cabinets to make the room a little more lively but at the same time, what I think dates things potentially more is the colors and the application rather than the tile itself.
I think if you stick w/ tile that when applied horizontally resembles flagstone to a degree may well be less dating than the photo of the bath where it's applied both horizontally and vertically, now that CAN date fairly quickly.
As for me, I would not choose it because it's the "in" thing but rather because I like it and that WILL make it less dating if I plan on staying in the place for a long time.
Trendy is a REALLY bad idea in tile and in fixtures. There's wonderful stuff around that isn't overexposed as a look and, if picked right, will look good for a very long time.
Glass tile has been around for a while now and I don't think it's going away. Like any other material, the product you choose and the way you use it will really determine whether it's classic or trendy. And just because you opt for stone instead does not guarantee it won't become dated or you won't tire of it - um, slate and tarazzo ring any bells? Yawn.
http://www.swankydigs.blogspot.com/
I agree with ciddyguy, if you use the tile because you love it, you'll find a way for it to look wonderful 10 to 15 years from now and to work with new window treatments or whatever.
"...you'll find a way for it to look wonderful 10 to 15 years from now and to work with new window treatments or whatever."
I think that might be exactly what people thought about almond laminate cabinets w/ oak strip handles, pink marble and whitewashed anything in the 80's...
...and dark wood paneling, Harvest Gold appliances and Z-Brick in the 70's.
I think JennF is right - all this glass tile that's being installed these days is probably going to appear awfully dated in 2020...
...whereas the ceramic tiles - particularly in neutral colors - are more likely to be more timeless.
meh. as long as you're doing what you're doing because YOU like it, what difference does it make if it 'goes out of style'? presumably, you'll still like it & that's all that should matter.